INMO Trolley/Ward Watch Analyses Show Figures Still Increasing

• April 2015 up 26% since April 2014 – (up 73% since April 2006)

• 35,135 patients on trolleys January-April 2015 – highest recorded for the 4 month period since records began

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has carried out analyses of its Trolley/Ward Watch figures ahead of its 3 day Annual Delegate Conference which commences in the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, Co Meath later today.

There were two sets of figures analysed (see attached) as follows:

1. April 2015 compared with April figures going back to 2006.

7,860 patients spent time on trolleys awaiting an in-patient bed in April 2015.  This was up by 26% on April 2014 and a staggering 73% increase on the 2006 figure.  It must be noted that the then Minister for Health declared the crisis ‘a national emergency’ in March 2006.

2. January – April 2015 compared to the previous 9 years.

35,135 patients waited for an in-patient bed for the first 4 months of 2015.  This was the highest figure recorded for this 4 month period since records began.  It was a 26% increase on the same period in 2014 and a 37% increase on the 2006 figures.

The issue of emergency overcrowding will be up for debate on day two of the ADC, Thursday, May 7.  During this session Conference will hear motions calling for the following:

• the opening of at least 1,000 public beds (acute, short stay, rehabilitation, respite and long stay) with the necessary additional nursing staff, to address the increasing demand for services;

• a major examination, with an international chair if necessary, of current hospital practices, within and between, all health professionals;

• the application of 85 per cent bed occupancy, as a trigger for managing admissions/ discharges; and.

• the elimination of any trolleys on corridors or inappropriate areas by October 1, 2015.

Speaking on this issue INMO General Secretary, Liam Doran said:

“INMO members will debate this on-going crisis during our Conference and they will outline the conditions in overcrowded EDs and wards where they work.

These latest statistics confirm that our health services continue to be too small to adequately, and safely, meet the demands being placed upon it. The extra funding announced recently by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, TD, is welcome.  However, it is imperative that the Minister immediately establishes the monitoring/implementation group to oversee the speedy delivery of all of the changes/initiatives contained in the Emergency Taskforce Report.  Sustained action in the form of additional bed capacity and staff, is the only long term solution to this problem and these must be brought forward immediately.”